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This depends on how you define mentally handicapped. I have dated someone with quite bad dyslexia and dyspraxia along with severe depression.

Suffering with depression myself, we bonded rather quickly over past experiences and after 3 weeks of talking we went on our first date.

A mental disability doesn't really change a relationship, but of course this depends on the condition itself. I don't see myself as someone that goes for people with mental disabilities, but I like to look at myself as someone that will always give someone else a chance.

One thing that scares me if I ever were to date someone with a severe mental disability, is the legal implications of it. For example, if I were to have a one night stand with someone with a mental disability, and their parents somehow found out - even though they were over 18 and consented, they can still be ruled as unable to make decisions for themselves in court (Varying on the severity), thus leaving me with a rape charge and most likely some hard time.

TL;DR Dated someone with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and depression. Mentally handicapped people aren't 'my type', but I am tolerant to a degree. I am unsure of how anyone could date a severely mentally handicapped person because of the legal issues that could arise.

I legitimately thank you for you response. While I was looking for something along the lines of hooking with someone who has Down's Syndrome, Schizophrenia, or anything of the like, it's a breath of fresh air to hear of other experiences.

I never really thought of the legal ramifications of it all. Is that really a legitimate issue?

I have a close friend with schizophrenia and they're perfectly fine in the dating world. Down's Syndrome however make a huge change to a 'sufferers' body, by changing the facial structure, stunting growth, and delayed mental development. These effects have a great effect on the dating world.

As someone that attends a college with an individual course dedicated to those suffering from mental conditions (primarily down's syndrome), I can tell you that people with down's syndrome fit in better in the dating world with others that also suffer from it. I cannot say this is a sure fact and it may be of use if someone with experience supporting dating among the mentally handicapped were to reply instead.

The legal ramifications only exist because of the delayed mental development that effects judgement, this means that if they are deemed to be unable to make decisions for themselves then the word "Yes" means nothing from their mouth. Hence, rape.

I do hope you find the answers you are looking for, and if you don't mind me asking, what brought this question to mind?